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Scotland launches independent support for families after prison deaths

KROV newsroom

13 Nov 2026, 1:20 pm IST1 min read

DiscussionThe story behind the news.

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Scotland launched a free independent advocacy service on 12 November for families and next of kin of people who died in prison custody. The Scottish Government said AdvoCard, an independent organisation, will provide the service.

Advocacy workers will help families understand procedures that can follow a death, including fatal accident inquiries, and provide practical and emotional support. The Scottish Government said bereaved families helped shape the service.

Families can contact AdvoCard themselves or be referred by organisations including the Scottish Prison Service, NHS Scotland and Police Scotland.

Cover image is an AI-generated editorial illustration.

Sources and credits

Credit: Scottish Government, © Crown copyright. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

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